04/12/2011

Tips for Building a Bike Shed

Reader Drake contacted us about an issue that I certainly deal with daily - bike storage. Living in an apartment I don't have a yard, but for those who have the space and are interested in a special place your bike can call a home, this entry is for you.

_________________________

These days, many people are turning cycling as form of exercise. However to keep your bikes in good shape, it is important to properly store them. This is where a bike shed can come in handy. Adding a bike shed to your property can provide you with plenty of storage space. Your bikes can be protected from the weather and other elements without having to bring your bikes in to your own house. Yet it also a good idea to plan ahead and make sure that your bike shed will meet your current as well as your future needs. While there are a lot of things you will need to consider when building a bike shed, you don’t need any construction management experience to build one. Better yet, there a ton of options from which you can chose.

The first thing you have to do is investigate zoning laws in your town. That way you will be able to ensure that your construction project won’t violate rules and you can will know if you will need to fill out or obtain any paperwork before you start. Most areas, will require that get a building permit in order to build the shed. Regulations vary from area to area, but generally speaking you will need a permit for any structure that is large enough to store your bikes. A permit is also essential if you ever plan to sell your house. In fact, most towns require that you tear down projects before selling your home if you built them without a permit.

The next thing you need to do is figure out what kind of shed you want. Are you planning on keeping it on your property forever? Are you planning on storing other things in it besides your bikes? It is important to consider everything before you start building. You don't want to build something only to find out that it doesn't meet your needs. If you are creating a permanent shed, you might want to consider giving it asolid foundation.

Although laying a foundation might be more costly, it will save you a lot of stress down the road and will help your shed stand up against the elements. Before building the shed, you have to clear the ground where you plan to build. This is true even if you aren't laying a foundation. Chose a flat area, or as flat as you can find, and smooth the ground out. Add brick or concrete support as well. Also, make sure your location won't intrude on pipes or cables in the ground.

Once you have these details sorted out, decide on your building materials. One option is metal, but wood will provide you with more flexibility. If you use wood, it is essential that it is pressure treated. You should also plan on using a water sealant. Taking these measures will ensure that your wood will be protected over time. Ultimately your shed should be at least six or seven feet high to account for headroom, and be built to have a door just as high. Once you have your walls organized, nail them to the floor. After that, connect them to each other. Once this is done, it is time to add your roof. A sloped roof is always a smart idea. After you have the structure ready, decorate the outside as you see fit.

A bike shed is a big project, but it pays off a lot. Sheds provide you with room for storage. Once you have your shed standing, you can start storing your bikes and any other items that will fit in the shed. Remember, planning is the most important part. You need to make sure your shed doesn't violate any laws and you will also want to make sure you pick the right type of shed to fit your needs.

We built the kit shed linked from my name. It was worth it to get all the parts and not have a single bit of waste, but it was still a major project to put it together. It's been up five years and weathers the Seattle climate well. I hang three bikes from one wall on bike hooks and still have room for lawnmower, wheelbarrow, tools, etc.

There are very few affordable dedicated bicycle storage sheds on the internet. And there are even fewer plans to build one. But I offer a set of plans for $5.00 to build a two bike storage shed of wood for under $200 dollars. These are not just plans but also include detailed instruction. Click on the link to visit my website and view these plans and construction details.